Manchester City, who have won four Premier League titles in a row, have joined the race to sign Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United. Should they beat out Arsenal for the Brazilian’s signature, he will be the first big signing the Manchester-based club make for the upcoming season.
Guimarães has played in more than 100 matches for the Magpies in his three seasons with them so far. The 26-year-old central midfielder could be used in a double-pivot, too. He scored seven goals and registered nine assists for Newcastle last season, which are quite impressive numbers.
An Ideal Partner for Rodri
City’s midfield maestro, Rodri, has been one of the most influential players in the world during the last few seasons. However, Manchester City have not yet been successful in finding a player who could partner him in a double-pivot. John Stones, the right-back used in a hybrid role, has done it at times.
However, the Cityzens mostly played with a 4-2-3-1 last season, thus deviating from a 3-2-2-3 that allowed Stones to move in as one of the midfielders in a double-pivot. Bernardo Silva often partnered Rodri in City’s 4-2-3-1 last season, as did Mateo Kovačić.
That being said, Bernardo often ventured forward to play in an advanced role alongside Kevin de Bruyne, as did the full-backs, to make the formation a 2-2-6 effectively while in possession.
All of that is fine against smaller teams, but against big teams, the Sky Blues have at times lacked an ideal replacement for Rodri, which explains their somewhat underwhelming record without the Spanish midfielder in the starting 11. In the Premier League last season, the team lost in three of the four matches Rodri did not play in.
Kalvin Phillips, who has played in only 31 matches in two years with Pep Guardiola’s team, mostly failed to impress as a holding midfielder for the English champions. Kovačić has been better in that regard, but even his presence does not seem to entirely serve the purpose.
Guimarães a Much-Needed Boost for City
Guimarães can help the Cityzens retain possession in the midfield with his solid and robust style of play. He has often caught the eye while playing in a three-man midfield for Newcastle.
However, Arsenal pose a serious threat to City’s pursuit of the Brazilian. Mikel Arteta also seems to be impressed by Guimarães and wants him as a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey, who might leave the club this summer. Arsenal are reportedly in touch with Guimarães, but the latter should ideally be more interested in playing for the champions.
Nonetheless, a better offer from the Gunners will likely influence his decision. Arsenal have seriously challenged for the league title during the last couple of seasons and hence, a move to London would still be an enticing proposition for Guimarães.
Hence, it remains to be seen whether Manchester City are able to win the race to sign the Brazilian. As of now, the club are probably slightly ahead of Mikel Arteta’s team in terms of securing the services of Newcastle’s dynamic midfielder.
Main Image: “11.06.2024 – Bruno Guimãraes” by CBF Oficial via Flickr